Very small floating dock ideas

[RobA]

I need to make a small floating 'dock' to hold a wireless pond water temperature sensor and battery/solar panel setup (less than 10 pounds of total weight). I need it to be stable and not flip in the wind. I thought about getting a dock float but that seems like overkill and is too big for what I need. Any ideas on a DIY float?

 

[M5farms]

cardboard box , saran wrap , spray foam, you can custom build the float around or make a nest for the equipment and the saranwrap will protect it .

 

[Mendonsy]

There are several companies that ship frozen foods in fairly large heavy duty Styrofoam containers. Those would probably need a coat of paint to make them last in a pond.

 

[dmccarty]

My grand parents used to live on a lake in FLA and their floating dock, much bigger then what you need, was made out of wood sitting on top of big blocks of styrofoam.

If you can't find some old styrofoam laying around, I have seen sheets of it at Lowes sold for insulation. I suppose the other foam insulation would float but I have not tried. Any way, you could just make a floating box out of foam, wood and maybe add something heavy as ballast, say rocks, or a brick but the battery would likely work just fine, to keep the "float" from blowing over. You could also anchor the float, which would also help with the wind issue, with some bricks or cinder block and some line.

Later,
Dan

 

[scdeerslayer]

Just make a square out of 4" or 6" PVC pipe.

 

[RobA]

Just make a square out of 4" or 6" PVC pipe.

I like that. I already have some light weight 4" PVC drainpipe. All I need is 4 elbows. Thanks.

 

[PILOON]

Shucks, buy a 2 ft X 8 ft 3 " thick slab of blue or pink foam board, cut in half and make up a 4" X 4" float.
Simply use one sheet of plywood and make a big sandwich and and you will be good to go.
Such a float would even serve to hold probably 2 sun bathers LOL.

Made one or my mom for my mom as a destination 'swim to' and it has lasted some 12 years and still good to go.

 

[Rustyiron]

Inner tube with a rope tied to a concrete block for an anchor. You can figure out what you need for a deck or mounting surface but a board and some more rope?

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Go buy a foam noodle at the dollar store and make a loop. Use a small piece of pvc or dowel to stick the ends together.

 

[bcp]

Just make a square out of 4" or 6" PVC pipe.

And make it catamaran style, with a wind rudder.

Bruce